Patagonia Men's Araveto Jacket

Stylish, very comfortable fleece
I really like this jacket! Like other Patagonia jackets, this one is of great quality. The "fleece" is way more comfortable/soft than I'd originally anticipated. It is quite warm while not suffocating. I have not yet worn it through a Minnesota winter to confirm whether or not it could be worn as a stand alone jacket, but I'd wager that it'd be close. That said, I have not yet had a problem with wind, though that may be subject to change as things change from 40 degree to negative degree weather! As for sizing, I'd say it does run true-to-size. I bought a size large, and it fits alright, if not a bit on the loose end--I'm 6' tall and weigh 175lbs. This brings me to my only minor complaint about it; it doesn't have a synch cord to adjust/tailor the fit of the jacket. Other than that, excellent quality and design...I really like the zippers these guys use as well!

Buttery Fleece
This fleece material is exceptionally nice. It is lightweight, similar to a Polartec 100 weight (but maybe more like a 120). I'm 5'11" and ~160 lbs. and a medium was absolutely perfect - nicely fitted and slim but in no way restricting, able to fit even a lightweight, close-fitting button-down shirt underneath, good length in the arms and cut for reaching without "jacket rise," and layers under a semi-fitted shell without really knowing that it's there. The elastic in the cuffs and at the bottom fit just right. Overall, just a superb fleece that you hardly know is there and is completely non-restrictive of movement. With that said, I did end up sending mine back. Not because of anything at all having to do with quality issues, but because I could not imagine when I would choose this over an R1 pullover, jacket, or hoodie, as both fill nearly the same niche. The Araveto has a "silkier hand" and is superbly comfortable and well-fitted, but from purely a functional standpoint, I think the R1 has the edge. The Araveto is super breathable and seemed to add meaningful warmth only when paired with a shell. The R1, however, with its smooth exterior and inner grid pattern, add some warmth even without a shell, being just a hair more wind resistant. End result - while I love the Araveto, when I purchase my next thin, light, packable fleece, it'll still be an R1.

This is a great fall and spring lightweight fleece jacket. It has a slim fit. The medium is perfect for me, I'm 6'2'' and 160 lbs. It could be used in the winter layered under a shell. I have used it about 6 months, the only slight problem is matting of the fleece at the elbows. I liked the first jacket so much I bought another in a different color.